A shocking development has come as it is revealed that former national cricket team all-rounder Irfan Pathan was not an ax by Star Sports for criticizing Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma.
Irfan Pathan was actually ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 by Star Sports, beating superstar all -rounder Hardik Pandya.
IRFAN IPL 2025 was not part of the broadcast team
Former India all -rounder Irfan Pathan completed broadcast duties after ending his game’s career and regularly seen on Star Sports.
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He was closely associated with broadcasters and covered some of India’s biggest cricket matches, providing his valuable insights and commenting.
However, all were surprised when their name was not in the broadcast team for a panel of commentators or the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.
At that time, it was reported that Irfan was released due to allegations of personal bias against some players. It is reportedly, he brought to individual groits in the air, and it did not sit well with Star Sports, which led to him to be expelled.
If I am criticizing you in 7 out of 14 matches, I am still generous – Irfan Pathan
It was also speculated that Irfan Pathan was fired due to a blunt criticism of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma for their poor performance during the Seema-Gavaskar Trophy 2025.
However, in an interview with The Lallinop, it was discovered that Hardik Pandya was behind his expulsion and not Rohit or Kohli. Veteran journalist Saurabh Dwivedi called Irfan “Hamari ‘Hardik’ Iksha Hai Ki Ek Sach Bata Dein”, while asked him to open on the matter.
The former India all -rounder laughed and said that he was very generous in his criticism. He said:
“If I am criticizing you in 7 out of 14 matches, I am still generous. It is our job as broadcasters.”
Saurabh Dwivedi also mentioned that things are not good between Hardik Pandya and Irfan Pathan and asked why there is rivalry between them. East India Star replied
“There is no rivalry. All Baroda players who have come after me-Deepak Hooda, Krunal Pandya, or Hardik Pandya-None of them can say that Irfan-Yusuf did not help him.”
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They had picked her up, Hardik must have played for Hyderabad – Irfan Pathan
Irfan also revealed that he had suggested batting veteran VVS Laxman to take Hardik Pandya for SRH, but he did not listen. The 40 -year -old also clarified that he is against the use of derogatory words cursing Hardik.
He said, “VVS Laxman admitted in Star Sports that he was at a mistake to not listen to me and not to choose Hardik. If he had picked him up, he would have played for Hardik Hyderabad,” he said.
“There is nothing wrong in criticizing the player, if you play, you have to go through it. This happened to Sunil Gavaskar, the great Sachin Tendulkar. He never felt anyone, he was older than the game. But I am against the derogatory words used against Pandya.”
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Irfan Pathan confirmed that he was removed from the comment as he had criticized Hardik Pandya and hurt his delicate ego. pic.twitter.com/pwbwjnxi2t
– ππ¨π ππ§π¬ππ§π (@jod_insane) August 15, 2025
